The EU-Mercosur agreement is a big deal in the world of geoeconomics

Its role within the group is likely to remain institutional rather than operational in the near term, but its status as a founding member continues to carry historical and symbolic weight

This year's WEF report says that rules and institutions that have long underpinned stability are under siege in a new era in which trade, finance and technology are wielded as weapons of influence

With China dominating the 'rare earths' needed to power the technology of the future, the West is playing catch-up in a race that began years ago. Finally, a plan is emerging.

There are huge investments and active cooperation across the Middle East and North Africa in this rapidly growing industry, with countries and companies positioning themselves for the future.

To the east of Riyadh, on a giant campus employing advanced simulators, young Saudis are learning the mechanics of the wells and rigs of the oil and gas industry.

Scrapping foreign ownership caps and qualifying criteria will bring in more capital, with markets reacting positively to the latest reforms that build towards a more open country

With seasonal rainfall easing pressure on agriculture and nearly 20 million international tourists visiting the country, there are reasons for optimism, but youth unemployment remains a big problem

Debt is colossal but there are promising indicators, not least in inflation, legal reforms, the sale of government assets, and monetary stability. Will these green shoots be allowed to grow and bloom?

The Kremlin's economic indicators are causing unease, while smaller states in Russia's sphere of influence are eyeing opportunities to reduce their reliance on Moscow. What will the year ahead bring?